Aframomum melegueta composition and method for health maintenance

Abstract

The invention provides a composition comprising 6-paradol as an effective ingredient in promoting thermogenesis. The composition may further contain one or more of 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol as active ingredients. The composition can be an extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds that is standardized for 6-paradol, 6-shogaol, and/or 6-gingerol. The composition can be administered in methods for promoting or maintaining a healthy body weight, as well as for promoting a healthy liver and supporting liver function.

1 . A method of promoting or maintaining a healthy body weight, comprising administering to a person in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising 6-paradol. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises between about 2% and about 15% 6-paradol. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one of 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said composition comprises about 8% 6-shogaol. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said composition comprises about 17% 6-gingerol. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is an extract of  Aframomum melegueta.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is an extract of  Aframomum melegueta  seeds. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said person has a healthy body weight or is overweight. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is administered systemically. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is administered orally. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a powder, liquid, pill, tablet, pellet, granule, capsule, soluble film, solution, spray, syrup, linctus, lozenge, pastille, chewing gum, chew, paste, vapor, suspension, emulsion, ointment, cream, lotion, foam, liniment, gel, drop, topical patch, buccal patch, bead, gummy, gel, sol, injection, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one of an excipient, pharmaceutical carrier, bulking agent, binding agent, filler, and diluent. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is administered at a dose of about 250 mg. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is administered two or more times per day. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one of a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fatty acid, caffeine, flavoring, sweetener, and preservative. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is combined with a food, snack, nutritional supplement, dietary supplement, food supplement, or beverage. 
     
     
         17 - 43 . (canceled)